Erick Residents Charged with Animal Cruelty Following Disturbing Discovery

September 23, 2024

Erick, OK – Jacob Isaac Walker, 29, and Catherine Charnell Walker, 53, were charged with felony animal cruelty after Beckham County Sheriff’s deputies discovered six dogs living in harsh conditions at their residence on September 16, 2024.

According to a probable cause affidavit, the investigation began when a Beckham County Deputy responded to a call regarding a dog that had killed a neighbor’s chickens. Upon arrival at the home, located in the 300 block of S. Oak in Erick, deputies found four dogs outside, two of which were in a crate without food or clean water. One dog appeared severely malnourished, and another was tied to a tree in the front yard.

Deputies encountered the defendants when they returned home. Jacob Walker allegedly admitted they had no running water and had been relying on water from a local church for the animals. The dogs were taken into custody and transported to Stockman’s Veterinary Clinic in Elk City, where three puppies were found to be suffering from severe parasite infestations.

Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning said, unfortunately, some of the animals had to be put down.

“The worst news is that since we’ve taken them to the vet, three animals had to be euthanized because they were in such bad shape they couldn’t be saved. Another one of the animals is extremely aggressive towards humans, and the vet said she didn’t know what chance he had at being saved. We’re trying to adopt him out now and find homes for the other animals, but the vet said it would be very difficult because he is so aggressive towards humans that they couldn’t even approach him.”

Both Jacob and Catherine Walker were arrested and face six felony counts of animal neglect. The investigation is ongoing.